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Fentanyl overdoses has emerged as a pressing global issue

2023.11.09 04:27:03 Kate Kim
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[Photo Credit to Unsplash]

Recently, the escalating problem of drug abuse, particularly the overdose of fentanyl, has become a major global concern.

 

The prohibition of drugs in most countries further exacerbates the issue, presenting a persistent challenge in addressing and resolving issues associated with drug abuse.

 

A significant example of the dangers of drug addiction happening in the world is fentanyl.

 

Fentanyl, also called the “zombie drug,” is a type of opioid which is a class of drugs that helps reduce severe pain in cancer patients.

 

Opioids such as fentanyl interact with receptors in the brain, blocking areas that control and respond to pain.

 

As the drug is meant to be prescribed for diseased patients, the effects of fentanyl are extremely strong.

 

Over time, the toxicity of fentanyl has life-threatening breathing health consequences, and just like any other drug, it has the effect of stopping people from living their normal lives by severely damaging the body.

 

Other effects of fentanyl include extreme happiness, hallucinations, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, muscle rigidity, confusion, and more.

 

While the main motivation for drug use is stress relief, the consequences are severe and potentially fatal.

 

Curiosity is another reason people start using drugs, and this often occurs when the drug is offered by other addicts for the first time.

 

Upon addiction, individuals involuntarily crave more medication to alleviate pain, resulting in heightened analgesic effects.

 

Currently, the United States is facing significant problems with fentanyl overdoses.

 

In the past five years, the number of deaths from fentanyl overdoses has nearly quadrupled.

 

An example is the city of Philadelphia, also called the “Zombie City,” which faced a fentanyl crisis as the streets became filled with drug addicts, resembling living zombies.

 

In Korea, the illicit misuse of fentanyl patches by adolescents has emerged as a consequential issue.

 

The inflow of fentanyl from abroad is increasing in various forms, and despite strong government regulations, teenagers now have easier access to fentanyl.

 

Teen drug abuse is another main issue that needs to be addressed critically; in the past five years, teen drug abuse has increased and worsened rapidly.

 

Fentanyl has also spread at an unprecedented rate among teenagers.

 

As drugs are more fatal for developing teenagers than fully developed adults, making treatment has proven to be more difficult.

 

People who have experienced fentanyl describe, “Once you start taking fentanyl, it feels like a devil controlling our lives.”

 

The problem with drugs is that not only do drugs affect the addict's health but they also concern the future of our societies; drugs can decrease IQ numbers and our mental capacity over time.

 

Experts caution against having an initial interest in drugs, emphasizing the potential escalation in drug abuse cases.

 

They stress that now is the last golden time, as missing this opportunity may lead to irreparable consequences.

 

A comprehensive approach is advocated, ranging from prevention, enforcement, penalties, treatment, to rehabilitation.

 

It is highlighted that individuals often utilize drugs not solely for pleasure but as a desperate response to pain.

 

The more society criticizes them, the more likely it is for drug abusers to hide in the shadows of society.

 

Society needs to acknowledge the fact that drug addiction is a chronic condition requiring assistance; they need to recognize that individuals caught in addiction often start on the wrong path, but need support to find recovery with societal help.

 

Hence, implementing a plan that will be strongly promoted is crucial for all drug users in each society.


Kate Kim / Grade 10
Gyeonggi Suwon International School